Soil Type: Normal/Loam or Sandy/Light or Chalky/AlkalineSoil Moisture: Dry, well drained or Moist, but well drained

Easily mistaken for Japanese Blood grass (Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra') this grass starts off with green strap-like leaves that turn red at the tips in June and produces light airy flower panicles in summer. In autumn the foliage turns a spectacular deep burgundy. It likes full sun and unlike Imperata can cope with dry summers. Try it in small groups among taller grasses or against tall perennials.

Garden care: when it starts to look tatty lift and divide between mid-spring and summer.